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Encoder Wheels

An encoder is essentially a sensing device that provides feedback. They convert motion into electrical signals that can be read by a control device in industrial electronics and motion control systems. An encoder wheel is a key part of an encoder enabling a control device to identify or determine motion, position, speed, direction, or count. Because they can be integrated into complex electronic devices and systems, encoders, encoder disks, encoder wheels, and encoder strips require intricate details and precise engineering to reliably and effectively deliver the desired function.

Using our expertise and precision photochemical etching capabilities, E-Fab manufactures custom encoder wheels and encoder disks to the exact requirements of our customer drawings. Our photochemically etched encoder wheels and disks are made with perfect precision that maintains dimensional tolerances for even the most complex and intricate designs. Our etch tolerances can be as low as +/- 0.0005”. Because our photo-etched encoders are manufactured chemically, the cost to produce one with a single hole is the same as to produce one with many holes. If you have a light-sensitive application, then our in-house Black Oxide coating will provide the nice matte black surface finish.

We require a pdf or dxf file for quotation purposes. Please fill out our Request a Quote form to contact us today. We provide 1-2 week turn-around times and faster services upon request.

Why Choose E-Fab for Your Encoder Wheels?

As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, E-Fab, Inc. can fabricate encoders with much finer features and intricate part geometries that hold extremely tight tolerances at low-cost repeatability. Our photochemical machining process can etch both extremely thin or thicker metals without distortions, burrs, and sharp edges. Also, this process does not adversely change the physical properties of the metal, such as hardness, strength, and formability. Finally, we offer secondary services, such as plating, forming, and heat treating, adding further value to our encoders. For example, we can apply a black oxide finish to enhance the control over the transmission or reflection of light signals in optical encoders.

E-Fab can fabricate high-quality photo-etched encoders from diverse alloys offering the optimal resolution, accuracy, and precision for your encoder wheel application. The combination of our industry expertise and photochemical machining process allows us to produce all types of custom encoders that match your exact requirements and specific application. Not only are our design capabilities limitless, but we can also fabricate short-run prototypes to high-volume orders with the same exact precision and repeatability.

The following are some of the benefits E-Fab offers for designing and manufacturing photochemically etched encoders:

Faster Turnaround
  • In-house tooling facilitates extremely quick production of prototypes and production-quality
Flexibility
  • Encoders with simple or incredibly intricate designs can be fabricated from a wide variety of metals easily and economically. Also, revisions to part designs can be performed quickly.
Production Versatility
  • Prototype and production quantities can be manufactured using the same tooling and process with unparalleled repeatability
Cost-effective
  • Tooling and set-up costs are minimal, and the part complexity does not impact the part cost.
Tight-tolerance capabilities
  • Precision encoders holding the tightest of tolerances. In fact, the dimensional accuracy increases as the metal thickness
High-quality surface finishes
  • Repeatedly produce burr- and stress-free parts, which reduces the need for additional

Applications and Industries

E-Fab produces high-quality custom encoder wheels, encoder discs, and encoder strips for a wide range of applications, including the following:

  • Cut-to-length applications
  • Plotters
  • Robotics
  • Packaging
  • Conveying
  • Automation
  • Assembly machines
  • Testing machines
  • Labeling machines
  • Medical diagnostics
  • Processing machines
  • Drilling machines
  • Printers
  • Sorting
  • Filling
  • Imaging and Cameras

Our encoder wheels are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, consumer electronicsaerospace, industrial manufacturing, material handling, medicalmilitary and defense, and scientific instruments. We can design, prototype, and produce a custom chemical-etched encoder wheels from the following materials:

E-Fab’s Commitment to Service

We have the resources and capabilities to take on challenging projects. Our engineering team doesn’t stop until the parts and services meet your specifications and perform as expected.

Our experience and ability to think creatively, have made E-Fab a trusted partner to our customers and leading custom copper busbar supplier. Contact us today to request a quote for your project.